After an hour’s drive you will arrive in Lienz, the capital of our neighbouring federal province of East Tyrol. Turn right at the second traffic lights and drive in the direction of the hospital, follow the Beda-Weber-Gasse and turn right after 100 metres in the direction of the parish church. Then turn left into Oberdrumer Straße and continue for 3 kilometres until you reach Oberlienz/Oberdrum. Now follow this road and carry on uphill, passing the church of Oberdrum in the direction of the subsidiary church of “Saint Helen”. At the end of the village you will be in a place called Thurn, part of which is called Prappernitze. Park your car here and find the Erasmus chapel, the starting point for today’s Peace Trail.

Mountain idyll. Your destination is the tiny church of Saint Helen and a 500-year-old lime tree at an altitude of 1,279 metres. Follow the ancient mountain path; passing gurgling and bubbling springs that will keep on captivating all of your senses. Be enchanted by the murmur of the mountain stream, the sound of the cattle’s bells and the mountain scenery opening up before you, and you will feel how good it is to breathe in deeply and find your centre with the help of Mother Nature.

Path of reconciliation. Follow each of the stations along the Peace Trail and take a moment to linger where you feel drawn to most. Become aware of the fact that every single step along this trail can also be regarded as a step towards reconciliation with yourself and your acts, decisions or with people who are close to you. Everything starts with a tiny step: Open your heart!
Towards the end, the trail gets steeper and steeper. Finally you will be climbing the steps of the Church of St. Helen. You may look into the church by a little window but if you are lucky the church door is open and you can go in. Walk around the church and sit down next to the mighty 500-year-old lime (linden) tree.

Listen to the lime tree. Sit down in the shade of the tree, lean on the huge trunk and savour the moment. If you shut your eyes for a while and a light breeze rustles through the leaves, I am sure you will be able to feel the energy and peacefulness that have accompanied you all the way here. Rejoice in the wonderful things that are being given to you!

When you set out on your way back, you’ll feel the lightness that carries you downhill to your car. If you like, you can visit the lovely little town of Lienz, nestling between the rivers Drau and Isel. The town centre with its pedestrian zone is beautifully cared for and has a charming Mediterranean flair.